Methods and compositions for inhibiting angiogenesis

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis within a tissue by providing exogenous SLED to cells associated with the tissue. The presence of exogenous SLED inhibits angiogenesis within the tissue, in part by interfering with the ability of vascular endothelia to expand within the tissue. The invention also provides a method for determining the severity of a tumor be assaying for the presence of SLED within the tumor. To facilitate the inventive methods, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions including sources of SLED.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/122,079, filed on Jul. 23, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/899,304, filed on Jul. 23, 1997, now abandoned.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with Government support under Grant Number CA52750 and CA64239 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The United States Government may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Angiogenesis is the fundamental process by which new blood vessels are formed. The process involves the migration of vascular endothelial cells into tissue, followed by the condensation of such endothelial cells into vessels. Angiogenesis may be induced by an angiogenic agent or be the result of a natural condition. The process is essential to a variety of normal body activities, such as reproduction, development and wound repair. Although the process is not completely understood, it involves a complex interplay of molecules that stimulate and molecules that inhibit the growth and migration of endothelial cells, the primary cells of the capillary blood vessels. Under normal conditions, these molecules appear to maintain the microvasculature in a quiescent state (i.e., without capillary growth) for prolonged periods which can last for several years or even decades. The turnover time for an endothelial cell is about 1,000 days. Under appropriate conditions, however (e.g., during wound repair), these same cells can undergo rapid proliferation and turnover within a much shorter period, and five days is typical under these circumstances. (Folkman and Shing, J. Biol. Chem., 267(16), 10931-34 (1989); Folkman and Klagsbrun, Science, 235, 442-47 (1987)).

Although angiogenesis is a highly regulated process under normal conditions, many diseases (characterized as “angiogenic diseases”) are driven by persistent unregulated angiogenesis. In such disease state, unregulated angiogenesis can either cause a particular disease directly or exacerbate an existing pathological condition. For example, ocular neovascularization has been implicated as the most common cause of blindness and underlies the pathology of approximately 20 eye diseases. In certain previously existing conditions such as arthritis, newly formed capillary blood vessels invade the joints and destroy cartilage. In diabetes, new capillaries formed in the retina invade the vitreous humor, causing bleeding and blindness.

Both the growth and metastasis of solid tumors are also angiogenesis-dependent (Folkman, J. Cancer Res., 46, 467-73 (1986); Folkman, J. Nat. Cancer Inst., 82, 4-6 (1989); Folkman et al., “Tumor Angiogenesis,” Chapter 10, pp. 206-32, in The Molecular Basis of Cancer, Mendelsohn et al., eds. (W. B. Saunders, 1995)). It has been shown, for example, that tumors which enlarge to greater than 2 mm. in diameter must obtain their own blood supply and do so by inducing the growth of new capillary blood vessels. After these new blood vessels become embedded in the tumor, they provide nutrients and growth factors essential for tumor growth as well as a means for tumor cells to enter the circulation and metastasize to distant sites, such as liver, lung or bone (Weidner, New Eng. J. Med., 324(1), 1-8 (1991)). When used as drugs in tumor-bearing animals, natural inhibitors of angiogenesis can prevent the growth of small tumors (O'Reilly et al., O'Reilly et al., Cell, 79, 315-28 (1994)). Indeed, in some protocols, the application of such inhibitors leads to tumor regression and dormancy even after cessation of treatment (O'Reilly et al., Cell, 88, 277-85 (1997)). Moreover, supplying inhibitors of angiogenesis to certain tumors can potentiate their response to other therapeutic regimens (e.g., chemotherapy) (see, e.g., Teischer et al., Int. J. Cancer, 57, 920-25 (1994)).

Although several angiogenesis inhibitors are currently under development for use in treating angiogenic diseases (Gasparini, Eur. J. Cancer, 32A(14), 2379-85 (1996)), there are disadvantages associated with several of these proposed inhibitory compounds. For example, suramin is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, but, at doses required to reach antitumor activity, causes severe systemic toxicity in humans. Other compounds, such as retinoids, interferons and antiestrogens appear safe for human use but have only a weak anti-angiogenic effect. Still other compounds may be difficult or costly to make. In view of these problems, there exists a need for methods and compositions for inhibiting angiogenesis.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis within a tissue by providing exogenous SLED (an antiangiogenic protein) to endothelial cells associated with the tissue. The presence of exogenous SLED will inhibit angiogenesis within the tissue, in part by interfering with the ability of vascular endothelia to expand within the tissue. The invention also provides a method for determining the prognosis of a tumor by assaying for the presence of SLED within the tumor. To facilitate the inventive method, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions including sources of SLED.

The methods and compositions of the present invention are clinically useful for treating a host of diseases associated with angiogenesis, and for interfering with angiogenesis associated with reproductive functions. The methods and compositions are also diagnostically useful for assessing the prognosis of tumors and other disorders associated with angiogenesis. Furthermore, the methods and compositions are useful reagents for investigation of angiogenesis in the laboratory setting. These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the ability of SLED to inhibit the migration of endothelial cells.

FIGS. 2A-2D demonstrates the specificity of SLED for vascular endothelia by graphically representing the inability of various doses of SLED to inhibit the migration of cells other than vascular endothelial cells. FIG. 2A depicts data concerning WI-38 cells. FIG. 2B depicts data concerning human foreskin fibroblasts. FIG. 2C depicts data concerning vascular smooth muscle cells. FIG. 2D depicts data concerning neutrophils.

FIG. 3 is a dose-response curve representing the antiangiogenic activity of one type of SLED polypeptide (full length PEDF).

FIG. 4 is a dose response curve representing the antiangiogenic activity of one type of SLED polypeptide (a fragment of PEDF).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Within the context of the inventive method, SLED is a protein having potent antiangiogenic properties, and it includes any antiangiogenic derivative of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF, Steele et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (USA), 90(4), 1526-30 (1993)), such as those described herein. One form of SLED polypeptide (Full length PEDF) is set forth at SEQ ID NO:1; however, the invention is not limited to the use of this exemplary sequence. Indeed, other PEDF sequences are known in the art (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529), and genetic sequences can vary between different species and individuals, and this natural scope of allelic variation is included within the scope of the invention. Additionally and alternatively, a SLED polypeptide can include one or more point mutations from the exemplary sequence or another naturally occurring SLED polypeptide. Thus, a SLED polypeptide is typically at least about 75% homologous to all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:1 and preferably is at least about 80% homologous to all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:1 (e.g., at least about 85% homologous to SEQ ID NO:1); more preferably the SLED polypeptide is at least about 90% homologous to all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:1 (such as at least about 95% homologous to all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:1), and most preferably the SLED polypeptide is at least about 97% homologous to all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:1. Indeed, the SLED polypeptide can also include other domains, such as epitope tags and His tags (e.g., the protein can be a fusion protein).

Within the context of the present invention, a SLED polypeptide can be or comprise insertion, deletion, or substitution mutants of a known PEDF sequence or derivative thereof. Preferably, any substitution is conservative in that it minimally disrupts the biochemical properties of the SLED polypeptide. Thus, where mutations are introduced to substitute amino acid residues, positively-charged residues (H, K, and R) preferably are substituted with positively-charged residues; negatively-charged residues (D and E) preferably are substituted with negatively-charged residues; neutral polar residues (C, G, N, Q, S, T, and Y) preferably are substituted with neutral polar residues; and neutral non-polar residues (A, F, I, L, M, P, V, and W) preferably are substituted with neutral non-polar residues. Moreover, the SLED polypeptide can be an active fragment of a known PEDF protein or fragment thereof. Indeed, it has been found that truncated fragments derived from SEQ ID NO:1 are active SLED polypeptides. For example, it is believed that residues 1 through 20 of SEQ ID NO:1 are cleaved during secretion and thus are dispensable for SLED activity. Moreover, other active SLED polypeptides comprise sequences derived from residues 21 through 382 of SEQ ID NO:1, such as residues 44 through 157 of SEQ ID NO:1 (e.g., residues 45 through 121 of SEQ ID NO:1). Of course, while insertion, deletion, or substitution mutations can affect glycosylation of the protein, a SLED polypeptide need not be glycosylated to possess the requisite antiangiogenic properties for use in the inventive method.

SLED polypeptides inhibit angiogenesis, in part, by attenuating the migration of endothelial cells, thus reducing the ability of endothelia to expand within the tissue. Thus, the invention provides a method of inhibiting endothelial cell migration by providing exogenous SLED to such cells. Aside from attenuating angiogenesis, the method is useful for treating disorders associated with stimulation of endothelial cell migration such as intestinal adhesions, Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis, scleroderma and hypertrophic scars (e.g., keloids).

In accordance with the inventive method, SLED is provided to endothelial cells associated with the tissue of interest. Such cells can be cells comprising the tissue of interest, exogenous cells introduced into the tissue, or neighboring cells not within the tissue. Thus, for example, the cells can be cells of the tissue, and SLED is provided to them in situ such that the SLED contacts the cells. Alternatively, the cells can be cells introduced into the tissue, in which case the SLED can be transferred to the cells before they are so introduced into the tissue (e.g., in vitro), as well as being transferred in situ after introduction into the tissue.

The tissue with which the endothelial cells are associated is any tissue in which it is desired to inhibit the migration or expansion of endothelia, (e.g., for inhibiting angiogenesis). In one application, the tissue can be eye tissue, in which case the presence of exogenous SLED will inhibit novel angiogenesis associated with a variety of disorders of the eye. For example, the inventive method is useful for treating eye injury, hypoxia, infection, surgery, laser surgery, diabeties, retinoblastoma or other diseases or disorders of the eye. In this respect, the method is useful for preventing blindness or retarding loss of vision associated with a variety of eye diseases.

In another application, the tissue is skin tissue, in which case the presence of exogenous SLED prevents neovascularization associated with several skin diseases. For example, the inventive method is useful for treating diseases and disorders such as psoriasis, scleroderma, tumors of the skin, neovascularization as a consequence of infection (e.g., cat scratch disease, bacterial ulceration, etc.) or other skin disorders. Where SLED is provided to the skin, it can be provided to the surface of the skin or to skin tissue beneath the skin's surface. Furthermore, transfer of SLED to skin of a mammal can also stimulate the growth of hair in the skin. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that SLED affects hair growth by mediating angiogenesis within the hair follicle.

In other embodiments, the tissue is a tumor (e.g., a cancerous tumor), in which case the inventive method will inhibit the growth of blood vessels within and to the tumor. Inhibiting the growth of blood vessels within tumors prevents sufficient nutrients and oxygen from being supplied to the tumor to support growth beyond a given size. Thus, the inventive method can prevent the nucleation of tumors from cancerous cells already present due to genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA-1 mutation carriers, Li Fraumeni patients with p53 mutations, etc.) or the presence of external carcinogens (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, industrial solvents, etc.). Aside from preventing tumerogenesis, the inventive method can retard the growth of existing tumors, thus rendering them more easily contained and excised. This application is highly advantageous for treating tumors that are difficult to operate on (e.g., brain or prostate tumors). Moreover, minimizing the number of blood vessels within existing tumors lessens the probability that the tumor will metastasize. In treating tumors, the method can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, to control the growth of tumors. Indeed, employing the inventive method can potentiate the response of some tumors to other therapies. For example, the inventive method optionally can be employed as a pretreatment for (e.g., for about a week in advance of), and continued during, a chemotherapeutic or radiation regimen.

Where the inventive method is applied to other tissues, the prevention of neovascularization effectively treats a host of disorders. Thus, for example, the inventive method can be used as part of a treatment for disorders of blood vessels (e.g., hemangiomas and capillary proliferation within atherosclerotic plaques), muscle diseases (e.g., myocardial angiogenesis or angiogenesis within smooth muscles), joints (e.g., arthritis, hemophiliac joints, etc.), and other disorders associated with angiogenesis (e.g., Osler-Webber Syndrome, plaque neovascularization, telangiectasia, angiofibroma, wound granularization, etc.).

Aside from treating disorders and symptoms associated with neovascularization, the inhibition of angiogenesis can be used to modulate or prevent the occurrence of normal physiological conditions associated with neovascularization. Thus, for example the inventive method can be used as a birth control. In accordance with the inventive method, the presence of SLED within the ovaries or endometrium can attenuate neovascularization associated with ovulation, implantation of an embryo, placenta formation, etc.

Within the context of the inventive method, SLED can be supplied alone or in conjunction with other known antiangiogenic factors. For example, SLED can be used in conjunction with antibodies and peptides that block integrin engagement, proteins and small molecules that inhibit metalloproteinases (e.g., marmistat), agents that block phosphorylation cascades within endothelial cells (e.g., herbamycin), dominant negative receptors for known inducers of angiogenesis, antibodies against inducers of angiogenesis or other compounds that block their activity (e.g., suramin), or other compounds (e.g., retinoids, IL-4, interferons, etc.) acting by other means. Indeed, as such factors modulate angiogenesis by different mechanisms, employing SLED in combination with other antiangiogenic agents can potentiate a more potent (and potentially synergistic) inhibition of angiogenesis within the desired tissue.

As discussed herein, SLED is a proteinatious factor. Thus, in one protocol, the method involves providing SLED by supplying a SLED polypeptide to the cells (e.g., within a suitable composition). Any suitable method can be employed to obtain a SLED polypeptide for use in the present invention. Many suitable SLED polypeptides can be purified from tissues which naturally produce SLED or from media conditioned by a variety of SLED-producing cells (e.g., retinoblastoma cell line WER127). For example, it is known that SLED is produced by all types of muscle, megakaryocytes of the spleen, fibroblasts, kidney tubules, cerebellar Purkinje cells, piliosebaceous glands of hair follicles, and retinal cells. A particularly good source of naturally occurring SLED is vitreous and aqueous humors extracted from the eye. One protocol for purifying SLED from protein extracts of these (or other sources) is by concentration/dialysis using a 30 kDa ultrafiltration membrane followed by protein precipitation in a range of about 65% to about 95% ammonium sulfate, followed by a lentil lectin sepharose column at 0.5 M methyl-α-D-mannopytanoside, followed by gradient/isocratic elution at 0.5M NaCl from a PHARMACIA HiTrap heparin column. Other protocols for purifying SLED polypeptides are known in the art (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529). The native SLED polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO:1 is identified via SDS-PAGE as a protein of about 45 kDa. Other SLED polypeptides can be synthesized using standard direct peptide synthesizing techniques (e.g., as summarized in Bodanszky, Principles of Peptide Synthesis (Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg: 1984)), such as via solid-phase synthesis (see, e.g., Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85, 2149-54 (1963); Barany et al., Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 30, 705-739 (1987); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,398). Of course, as genes for SLED polypeptides are known (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529); see also GenBanc accession no. U29953 SEQ ID NO:2)), or can be deduced from the polypeptide sequences discussed herein, a SLED polypeptide can be produced by standard recombinant methods.

In other protocols, SLED polypeptide can be provided to the tissue of interest by transferring an expression cassette including a nucleic acid disclosing SLED to cells associated with the tissue of interest. The cells produce and secrete the SLED polypeptide such that it is suitably provided to endothelial cells within the tissue to inhibit their migration and, thus, to attenuate angiogenesis within the tissue of interest. Coding sequences for SLED polypeptides are known (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529); see also GenBanc accession no. U29953 (SEQ ID NO:2)), and others can be deduced from the polypeptide sequences discussed herein. Thus, SLED expression cassettes typically employ coding sequences homologous to these known sequences, e.g., they will hybridize to at least a fragment of the known sequences under at least mild stringency conditions, more preferably under moderate stringency conditions, most preferably under high stringency conditions (employing the definitions of mild, moderate, and high stringency as set forth in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press (1989)).

In addition to the SLED coding sequence, an expression cassette includes a promoter, and, in the context of the present invention, the promoter must be able to drive the expression of the SLED gene within the cells. Many viral promoters are appropriate for use in such an expression cassette (e.g., retroviral ITRs, LTRs, immediate early viral promoters (IEp) (such as herpesvirus IEp (e.g., ICP4-IEp and ICP0-IEp) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) IEp), and other viral promoters (e.g., late viral promoters, latency-active promoters (LAPs), Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) promoters, and Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) promoters)). Other suitable promoters are eukaryotic promoters, such as enhancers (e.g., the rabbit β-globin regulatory elements), constitutively active promoters (e.g., the β-actin promoter, etc.), signal specific promoters (e.g., inducible and/or repressible promoters, such as a promoter responsive to TNF or RU486, the metallothionine promoter, etc.), and tumor-specific promoters.

Within the expression cassette, the SLED gene and the promoter are operably linked such that the promoter is able to drive the expression of the SLED gene. As long as this operable linkage is maintained, the expression cassette can include more than one gene, such as multiple genes separated by ribosome entry sites. Furthermore, the expression cassette can optionally include other elements, such as polyadenylation sequences, transcriptional regulatory elements (e.g., enhancers, silencers, etc.), or other sequences.

The expression cassette must be introduced into the cells in a manner suitable for them to express the SLED gene contained therein. Any suitable vector can be so employed, many of which are known in the art. Examples of such vectors include naked DNA vectors (such as oligonucleotides or plasmids), viral vectors such as adeno-associated viral vectors (Bems et al., Ann. N.Y Acad. Sci., 772, 95-104 (1995)), adenoviral vectors (Bain et al., Gene Therapy, 1, S68 (1994)), herpesvirus vectors (Fink et al., Ann. Rev. Neurosci., 19, 265-87(1996)), packaged amplicons (Federoff et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 89, 1636-40 (1992)), pappiloma virus vectors, picornavirus vectors, polyoma virus vectors, retroviral vectors, SV40 viral vectors, vaccinia virus vectors, and other vectors. In addition to the expression cassette of interest, the vector can also include other genetic elements, such as, for example, genes encoding a selectable marker (e.g., β-gal or a marker conferring resistance to a toxin), a pharmacologically active protein, a transcription factor, or other biologically active substance.

Once a given type of vector is selected, its genome must be manipulated for use as a background vector, after which it must be engineered to incorporate exogenous polynucleotides. Methods for manipulating the genomes of vectors are well known in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., supra) and include direct cloning, site specific recombination using recombinases, homologous recombination, and other suitable methods of constructing a recombinant vector. In this manner, the expression cassette can be inserted into any desirable position of the vector.

The vector harboring the SLED expression cassette is introduced into the cells by any means appropriate for the vector employed. Many such methods are well-known in the art (Sambrook et al., supra; see also Watson et al., Recombinant DNA, Chapter 12, 2d edition, Scientific American Books (1992)). Thus, plasmids are transferred by methods such as calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation, liposome-mediated transfection, gene gun, microinjection, viral capsid-mediated transfer, polybrene-mediated transfer, protoplast fusion, etc. Viral vectors are best transferred into the cells by infecting them; however, the mode of infection can vary depending on the virus.

Cells into which the SLED gene has been transferred can be used in the inventive method as transient transformants. Alternatively, where the cells are cells in vitro, they can be subjected to several rounds of clonal selection (if the vector also contains a gene encoding a selectable marker, such as a gene conferring resistance to a toxin) to select for stable transformants.

Within the cells, the SLED gene is expressed such that the cells express and secrete the SLED polypeptide. Successful expression of the gene can be assessed via standard molecular biological techniques (e.g., Northern hybridization, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, enzyme immunoassay, etc.). Reagents for detecting the expression of SLED genes and the secretion of SLED from transfected cells are known in the art (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529); Steele et al., supra).

Depending on the location of the tissue of interest, SLED can be supplied in any manner suitable to provide it to endothelial cells within the tissue of interest. Thus, for example, a composition containing a source of SLED (i.e., a SLED polypeptide or a SLED expression cassette, as described herein) can be introduced into the systemic circulation, which will distribute the source of SLED to the tissue of interest. Alternatively, a composition containing a source of SLED can be applied topically to the tissue of interest (e.g., injected as a bolus within a tumor or intercutaneous or subcutaneous site, applied to all or a portion of the surface of the skin, dropped onto the surface of the eye, etc.).

Where the source of SLED is a SLED polypeptide (e.g., within a suitable composition), it is provided in a concentration and for a time sufficient to inhibit angiogenesis within the tissue. Where SLED is produced naturally, it can be present in concentrations as high as about 250 nM. Because SLED is non-toxic, it can be supplied to tissues in a far more concentrated form. However, given SLED's potency, it can be employed in the inventive method at far reduced concentrations, such as about 50 nM or less (e.g., about 10 nM or less). Indeed, in some protocols, about 2 nM SLED or less effectively inhibits angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration. Depending on the formulation of a composition comprising the protein, it is supplied over a time course sufficient to retard angiogenesis within the desired tissue. In some protocols (e.g., where the SLED is supplied to the surface of skin or to the eye), repeated application enhances the antiangiogenic effect and may be required in some applications. Where the source of SLED is a SLED expression cassette, the cells expressing the cassette produce an effective amount of the protein (i.e., sufficient to inhibit angiogenesis in the tissue).

To facilitate the inventive method, the invention provides a pharmacological composition comprising a source of SLED and a suitable diluent. In addition to the source of SLED, the composition includes a diluent, which includes one or more pharmacologically-acceptable carriers. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the present invention can be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more pharmacologically or physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients, as well as optional auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen. Thus, for systemic injection, the source of SLED can be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers. For transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art. For oral administration, the source of SLED can be combined with carriers suitable for inclusion into tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, diposomes, suspensions and the like. For administration by inhalation, the source of SLED is conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebuliser, with the use of a suitable propellant. The source of SLED can be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Such compositions can take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and can contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. For application to the skin, the source of SLED can be formulated into a suitable gel, magma, creme, ointment, or other carrier. For application to the eyes, the source of SLED can be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers. The source of SLED can also be formulated into other pharmaceutical compositions such as those known in the art.

Because it is known that SLED is absent from some tumors, the invention also provides a method for determining the prognosis of a tumor by assaying for the presence of SLED within the tumor. The method involves obtaining tissue or fluid from the tumor and detecting the presence or absence of SLED within the tissue or fluid. Greater the SLED concentration within the tumor correlates with a lesser likelihood that the tumor is undergoing angiogenesis. Thus, higher SLED concentration within the tumor is indicative of a relatively early stage of tumerogenesis and is, thus, an optimistic indication. Conversely, the absence of SLED within a given tumor is indicative of a more advanced stage of tumerogenesis. The method can employ an assay for the presence of PEDF gene expression (e.g., via rtPCR, Northern hybridization, in situ hybridization etc.). Alternatively, the method can employ an assay for the presence of secreted SLED (e.g., immunological assays, SLED purification and PAGE analysis, etc.). Reagents for detecting the presence of SLED within such tumors are known in the art (see, e.g., published international patent applications WO 95/33480 and WO 93/24529).

While it is believed that one of skill in the art is fully able to practice the invention after reading the foregoing detailed description, the following examples further illustrate some of its features. As these examples are included for purely illustrative purposes, they should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any respect.

The procedures employed in these examples, such as cell culture, manipulation of protein and DNA, etc. are well known in the art (see generally Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)). Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, the experimental protocols are not discussed in detail.

EXAMPLE 1

This example demonstrates that SLED prevents endothelial cell migration.

The migration of different vascular endothelial cell types was determined by adding SLED to cultured endothelial cells. Specifically, endothelial cells isolated from bovine adrenal capillaries, human umbilical chords, and human dermal microvascular tissue.

The cells were plated on gelatinized Nucleopore membranes (5 μm pores for bovine capillary cells and 8 μm pores for other cells) in an inverted modified Boyden chamber. After two hours, the chamber was reinverted and test substances added to the top wells of each. Specifically, populations were exposed to either culture medium alone (control), 10 ng/ml bFGF, 2 nM SLED (full length PEDF), or both 10 ng/ml bFGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and 10 nM SLED. The cells were then permitted to migrate for 3-4 hours. Following this, the membranes were fixed and stained, and the number of cells that had migrated were counted.

The results of the assay are presented in FIG. 1 as a percentage of maximal migration (error bars represent standard error measurement, n=4). As is depicted, all three types of vascular endothelial cells exhibited nearly 100% migration in the presence of bFGF. However, in the presence of SLED, considerably less migration was observed. These results demonstrate that SLED inhibits endothelial cell migration. These results are surprising, given that the PEDF protein is known to induce neural differentiation of cultured retinoblastoma tumor cells, to be a neurotrophic factor for cerebellar granular cells and a cytostatic factor for glial cells (Taniwaki et al., J. Neurochem., 68, 26-32 (1997); Sugita et al., J. Neurosci. Res., 49, 710-18 (1997); Tombran-Tink et al., Exp. Eye Res., 53, 411-14 (1991); Becerra, “Structure-Function Studies on PEDF,” Chapter 21, in Chemistry and Biology of Serpins, Church et al., eds. (Plenum Press, 1997)).

EXAMPLE 2

This example demonstrates that the prevention of cell migration by SLED is specific for endothelial cells.

The ability of SLED to prevent migration of fibroblasts or smooth muscle was tested using cells obtained from human diploid fibroblast cell line WI-38, human foreskin fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle, and normal human neutrophils.

The assay was performed as indicated in Example 1, except that the dose of SLED varied from 0.01 nM to about 50 nM and that the migration assay was performed without inverting the chambers. Moreover, the inducer of migration varied with the cell type (IL-8 was used at 1 μg/ml and PDGF was used at 250 pg/ml).

The results of this experiment are presented in FIGS. 2A-2D. As indicated in these figures, SLED did not inhibit migration of any of the cell lines. This result indicates that the antimigratory activity of SLED is specific for vascular endothelial cells.

EXAMPLE 3

This example demonstrates that SLED is among the most potent inhibitors of endothelial cell migration.

Using a protocol similar to that outlined in Example 1, bovine adrenal capillary endothelial cells were exposed to bFGF, SLED, and several known antiangiogenic factors. The amount of a given factor necessary to achieve 50% of migration was determined and is reported here as ED₅₀. A smaller ED₅₀ measurement indicates a more potent antiangiogenic factor. The results of this experiment, presented in Table 1, indicate that SLED is a highly potent antiangiogenic factor.

TABLE 1 Agent ED₅₀ (nM) SLED 0.1-0.5 Thrombospondin 0.5 Endostatin 3.0 Angiostatin 3.5 Retinoic Acid 15 Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 3500 Captopril 10,000

EXAMPLE 4

This example demonstrates that SLED inhibits the angiogenic activity of known angiogenic agents.

Using a protocol similar to that outlined in Example 1, bovine adrenal capillary endothelial cells were exposed to five known angiogenic agents alone or in combination with 0.1 μg/ml SLED. In particular, aFGF was employed at a concentration of 50 ng/ml, bFGF was employed at a concentration of 10 ng/ml, IL-8 was employed at a concentration of 40 ng/ml, PDGF was employed at a concentration of 250 pg/ml, and VEGF was employed at a concentration of 100 pg/ml.

The results of the assay are presented in FIG. 3. As is depicted, the migration of the cells was considerably inhibited by SLED, regardless of the angiogenic agent. These results demonstrate that SLED-mediated inhibition of vascular endothelial migration is not specific for bFGF induction, but that SLED acts generally to inhibit migration of these cells.

EXAMPLE 5

This example demonstrates that SLED inhibits neovascularization in vivo.

Pellets containing various proteins were implanted in the avascular corneas of rats. Pellets either contained or lacked bFGF, and the pellets also contained either SLED or bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a control. After seven days, the corneas of the rats were examined to note whether angiogenesis had occurred.

The results of this assay are presented in Table 2. As indicated, no vascularization was observed from injecting pellets lacking bFGF. However, vascularization was observed in all eyes implanted with bFGF and BSA. Co-injection of bFGF and SLEF, however, resulted in no neovascularization in any cornea. These results indicate that SLED is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in vivo.

TABLE 2* Treatment Without bFGF With bFGF SLED (8 nM) 0/3 0/3 BSA 0/2 4/4 *results expressed as number of corneas with angiogenesis/number of test animals.

EXAMPLE 6

This example demonstrates that SLED polypeptides other than the full PEDF protein are active antiangiogenic agents.

Trypsin digestion of the complete PEDF protein cleaves the protein at amino acid 352 of SEQ ID NO:1, removing the approximately 3-5 kDa carboxy-terminal portion of the protein (Becerra et al., J. Biol. Chem., 270, 25992-99 (1995)). This procedure was employed to generate the fragments, and the truncated N-PEDF fragment (representing amino acids 21-382 of SEQ ID NO:1) was purified from trypsin by heparin affinity chromatography.

Using a protocol similar to that outlined above, various concentrations of either full length PEDF or the truncated peptide were assayed for their respective abilities to affect endothelial cell migration. Data generated for the truncated peptide are indicated in FIG. 4. Comparison of these data with the activity of the full length PEDF (see FIG. 3) reveals both proteins to be similarly potent at inhibiting endothelial cell migration. These results indicate that peptides other than full length PEDF are active SLED polypeptides.

EXAMPLE 7

This example demonstrates that exogenous SLED applied to the skin promotes the growth of hair therein.

In this example, the ability of SLED to induce hair growth is investigated using an established mouse model. In particular, in the C57BL/6 mouse strain, a change in skin pigmentation correlates with the physiology of the skin being in anagen (growing), catagen (transitional), or telogen (resting) phase (see, e.g., Jiang et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 104, 523-25 (1995); Slominski et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 102, 862-69 (1994); Paus et al., Lab. Invest., 71, 134-40 (1994); and Paus et al., Lab. Invest., 60, 365-69 (1989)). Six or seven week old C57BL/6 mice have pink skin, indicating telogen phase. Depilation of these mice triggers hair growth and skin darkening.

To test for the effect of SLED on hair growth, six or seven-week-old C57BL/6 mice are inspected for the absence of skin pigmentation to verify that their skin is in telogen (resting) stage. Following this, they are anesthetized and their hair is removed by clipping (rather than shaving) so as not to trigger anagen. A plasmid having a SLED expression cassette is precipitated onto gold particles. Similarly, a control plasmid having a β-galactosidase expression cassette is also precipitated onto gold particles. To avoid significant trauma to the skin (which could trigger anagen), the plasmids are transferred to the prepared skin of the mice at 250 psi using a gene gun (see, e.g., Rakmilevich et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (USA), 93, 6291-96 (1996)).

At weekly intervals following gene transfer, animals are sacrificed and the presence of circulating levels of administered gene product are assessed by Western blotting. Additionally, skin from the prepared and transfected skin is assayed for the presence of gene product within the skin by immunohistochemistry. The mice are also visually observed weekly for the presence of coloration within the treated areas of skin.

Results indicate that transfer of the β-galactosidase or SLED expression cassette leads to detectable product in the animals. However, skin transfected with the β-gal expression cassette does not progress to anagen any more rapidly than untreated skin. Conversely, skin treated with the SLED expression cassette becomes pigmented more rapidly than untreated skin. The results indicate that transfer of exogenous SLED to the skin promotes the growth of hair.

All of the references cited herein, including patents, patent applications, and publications, are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used and that it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

                   #             SEQUENCE LISTING <160> NUMBER OF SEQ ID NOS: 2 <210> SEQ ID NO 1 <211> LENGTH: 362 <212> TYPE: PRT <213> ORGANISM: Homo sapiens <400> SEQUENCE: 1 Met Gln Ala Leu Val Leu Leu Leu Cys Ile Gl #y Ala Leu Leu Gly His   1               5  #                 10  #                 15 Ser Ser Cys Gln Asn Pro Ala Ser Pro Pro Gl #u Glu Gly Ser Pro Asp              20      #             25      #             30 Pro Asp Ser Thr Gly Ala Leu Val Glu Glu Gl #u Asp Pro Phe Phe Lys          35          #         40          #         45 Val Pro Val Asn Lys Leu Ala Ala Ala Val Se #r Asn Phe Gly Tyr Asp      50              #     55              #     60 Leu Tyr Arg Val Arg Ser Ser Met Ser Pro Th #r Thr Asn Val Leu Leu  65                  # 70                  # 75                  # 80 Ser Pro Leu Ser Val Ala Thr Ala Leu Ser Al #a Leu Ser Leu Gly Ala                  85  #                 90  #                 95 Glu Gln Arg Thr Glu Ser Ile Ile His Arg Al #a Leu Tyr Tyr Asp Leu             100       #           105       #           110 Ile Ser Ser Pro Asp Ile His Gly Thr Tyr Ly #s Glu Leu Leu Asp Thr         115           #       120           #       125 Val Thr Ala Pro Gln Lys Asn Leu Lys Ser Al #a Ser Arg Ile Val Phe     130               #   135               #   140 Glu Lys Lys Leu Arg Ile Lys Ser Ser Phe Va #l Ala Pro Leu Glu Lys 145                 1 #50                 1 #55                 1 #60 Ser Tyr Gly Thr Arg Pro Arg Val Leu Thr Gl #y Asn Pro Arg Leu Asp                 165   #               170   #               175 Leu Gln Glu Ile Asn Asn Trp Val Gln Ala Gl #n Met Lys Gly Lys Leu             180       #           185       #           190 Ala Arg Ser Thr Lys Glu Ile Pro Asp Glu Il #e Ser Ile Leu Leu Leu         195           #       200           #       205 Gly Val Ala His Phe Lys Gly Gln Trp Val Th #r Lys Phe Asp Ser Arg     210               #   215               #   220 Lys Thr Ser Leu Glu Asp Phe Tyr Leu Asp Gl #u Glu Arg Thr Val Arg 225                 2 #30                 2 #35                 2 #40 Val Pro Met Met Ser Asp Pro Lys Ala Val Le #u Arg Tyr Gly Leu Asp                 245   #               250   #               255 Ser Asp Leu Ser Cys Lys Ile Ala Gln Leu Pr #o Leu Thr Gly Ser Met             260       #           265       #           270 Ser Ile Ile Phe Phe Leu Pro Leu Lys Val Th #r Gln Asn Leu Thr Leu         275           #       280           #       285 Ile Glu Glu Ser Leu Thr Ser Glu Phe Ile Hi #s Asp Ile Asp Arg Glu     290               #   295               #   300 Leu Lys Thr Val Gln Ala Val Leu Thr Val Pr #o Lys Leu Lys Leu Ser 305                 3 #10                 3 #15                 3 #20 Tyr Glu Gly Glu Val Thr Lys Ser Leu Gln Gl #u Met Lys Leu Gln Ser                 325   #               330   #               335 Leu Phe Asp Ser Pro Asp Phe Ser Lys Ile Th #r Gly Lys Pro Ile Lys             340       #           345       #           350 Leu Thr Gln Gly Gly Thr Pro Gly Trp Leu         355           #       360 <210> SEQ ID NO 2 <211> LENGTH: 22484 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Homo sapiens <220> FEATURE: <221> NAME/KEY: Unsure <222> LOCATION: 1...22484 <223> OTHER INFORMATION: “n” means either a, # c, t, or g <400> SEQUENCE: 2 gcggccgcag ggtggactgt gctgaggaac cctgggccca gcaggggtgg ca #gcccgcgc     60 agtgccacgt ttggcctctg gccgctcgcc aggcatcctc caccccgtgg tc #ccctctga    120 cctcgccagc cctcccccgg gacacctcca cgccagcctg gctctgctcc tg #gcttcttc    180 ttctctctat gcctcaggca gccggcaaca gggcggctca gaacagcgcc ag #cctcctgg    240 tttgggagaa gaactggcaa ttagggagtt tgtggagctt ctaattacac ac #cagcccct    300 ctgccaggag ctggtgcccg ccagccgggg gcaggctgcc gggagtaccc ag #ctccagct    360 ggagacagtc agtgcctgag gatttggggg aagcaggtgg ggaaaccttg gc #acagggct    420 gacaccttcc tctgtgccag agcccaggag ctggggcagc gtgggtgacc at #gtgggtgg    480 gcacgcttcc ctgctggggg tgcagggggt ccacgtggca gcggccacct gg #agccctaa    540 tgtgcagcgg ttaagagcaa gcccctggaa gtcagagagg cctggcatgg ag #tcttgctt    600 cttgcaaacg agccgtgtgg agagagagat agtaaatcaa caaagggaaa ta #catggtct    660 gtccgaggat gagctgccgg agagcaatgg tgaaagtgaa gtgggggagg gg #gcggggct    720 gggaggaaaa gccttgtgag aaggtgacac gagagcacgg ccttgaaggg ga #agaaggag    780 ggcactatgg aggtcccggc gaagcgtggc ctggccgagg aacggcatgt gc #agaggtcc    840 tgccgaggag ctcaagacaa gtaggggacg gtggggctgg agtggagaga gt #gagtggga    900 ggaggagtag gagtcagaga ggagctcagg acagatcctt taggctctag gg #acacgata    960 aacacagtgt tttttgtctt gtcaagtgtg tcctttttat ttttttgaaa ga #gtctcgct   1020 ctgtagccca ggctggagtg cagcggtgcg acctcggctc actgcaacct ct #gcctcccg   1080 ggtccaagca attctcctgc ctcagcctcc cgagtagctg ggattacagg ca #cccgccac   1140 cacgcactgc taatttttgt attttagtag agaccgggtt ttgccatgtt gg #tcaggctg   1200 gtctcgaact cctgacctca ggtgatccgc ccgcctcggc ctcccagagt gg #tgtgagcc   1260 actatgccct gcagcacttg tcaagtcttt ctcagcgttc ccctcctctc ca #ctgcagct   1320 cccagtgccc cagtctgggc ctcgtcttca cttcctggga tccctgacat tg #cctgctag   1380 gctctccctg tctctggtct ggctgccttc actgtaacct ccacccagca gg #tacctctt   1440 cagcacctcc catgaaccca gcagaatacc aagccctggg gatgcagcaa cg #aacaggta   1500 gacgctgcac tccagcctgg gcgacagagc aagactccgc ctgaagaaaa aa #aaaaggac   1560 caggccgggc gcggtggctc acgcctgtaa tcccagcact ttgggaggcc ga #ggtgggtg   1620 gatcatgagg tcaggagttc aagaccagcc tggccaaaat ggtgaaaccc cg #tctctact   1680 gaaaaataca aaaattagct gggtgcagtg gcgggcgcct gtagtctcag ct #actcagga   1740 ggctgaggca ggataattgc ttgaccccag gaggcagagg ttgcagtgaa cc #gagatcac   1800 gccactgcac tccagcctgg gcgacagagc aagactctgc ctcaaaaaaa ag #aataaaaa   1860 taaaaaaaag gaccagatac agaaaacaga aggagacgta ctatgaagga aa #ttggagag   1920 cttttgggat actgagtaac tcagggtggc ctttcccagg ggacatttag ct #gagagata   1980 gacggtatga agacctgacc gttcagaaac aggggaagag gcagcagccc gg #gcaaaggc   2040 ctttggggca ggaaagggct tggatcactg gagaagcaga aagatggcca gt #gtgaccag   2100 agtgtgacaa agtcagagaa aaccaggaag atggagctgg agacacaggc gg #ggccagat   2160 cacgagggtc ctcgcagacc agagcaaggg tttggatttt attccaagta tg #aagggaag   2220 ctgctgaagt gtgttttcct ttacaatttg tagttgaaat ataatatgca aa #gtacacaa   2280 gtcttaacta tatgtaagct taatgaatgt ttccatgaac caaataccgc tg #tgcaacca   2340 tcaccagctc aagagacgaa cccttctccc tcctcctgac tgccagtaac at #agtggttc   2400 agctcaagaa acagaactct tctgacttcc cctaacatag cgggttttct tt #tttgtttt   2460 gttttttgtt gttttttaag agacaatgtc tttattattt ttattttttt tt #atttttga   2520 gacggagtct tgctgtcgcc caggctggag tgcagtggtg cgatctcggc tc #actgcagg   2580 ctctgccccc cggggttcat gccattctcc tgcctcagcc tccctagcag ct #gggactac   2640 aggtgcccgc cacctcgccc ggctattttt ttgtattttt agtggagacg gg #gtttcacc   2700 gtgttagcca ggatggtctc gatctcctga cctcgtgatc cgcccacctc gg #cctcccaa   2760 agtgctggga ttacaggcat gagccaccgc gcccagccaa gagacacggt ct #tgctctgt   2820 cgcccaggct ggatggagtg ccgtggtgcg atcacagctc gcggcagcct tg #acatcctg   2880 ggctcaagca accttcctgc cttggcctcc caaatgttgg gattataggc at #gagccact   2940 gtgcttggca tctattcatc tttaatgtca agcaggcaat tgaatatttg at #cagggata   3000 gaattgtcta tttgggggta tgcagatgtg cttcatgtca tggaactggg cc #gggcgcgg   3060 tggctcatgc ctataatccc agcactttgg gaggccgagg caggcggatc at #aaggtcag   3120 gagatcgaga ccatccgggc caacacggtg aaaccccgtc tctactaaaa at #acaaaaat   3180 taggcaggtg tggtggtgcg tgcctgtagt cccagctact cagggaggct ga #gacaggag   3240 aattgattga acctgggagg cagaggttgt agtgagccaa gatcgcgcca ct #gcactcca   3300 gcctgggcga catgagcgag actccgtctc aaaaataaac aaaaaaaagt ca #tggaattg   3360 atggaaattg cctaagggga gatgtagaag aaaaggggtc tcaggatcaa gc #cagcagag   3420 aaggcagaaa aggtaaggtg tgtgaggtgg cagaaaaagg gaagagtgtg ga #cagtgagg   3480 gtttcaagga ggaggaactg tctactgcct cctgccaagg acggaggtgt cc #actgccag   3540 ttgacataag gtcacccatg aacttggtga caggaatttc agtggagaag tg #gccacaga   3600 cacaagtcta gaattgaaat gggagccgag gcagcgtaga caaaagagga aa #ctgctcct   3660 tccagagcgg ctctgagcga gcaccgagaa atgggcagtg gctttagggg at #gtagcgtc   3720 aaggaagtgt cttttaaaga agtcgggggc cgggcacggt ggctcacgcc tg #tagtccca   3780 gcactttggg aggccgaggc aggcagatca cttgaggtca ggagttcgag ac #cagcctgg   3840 ctaacacgat gaaaccccgt ctctactaaa aatacaaaaa attagctggg ca #cggtggct   3900 cgtgcctgta atcccagcac tttgggaggc agaggtgggc agatcacttg ag #gtcaggag   3960 tttgagacca gcctagccaa catggtgaaa ccccatctct actaaaacta ca #aaaattag   4020 ccgggagtgg tggcacgtgc ctgtaatccc agccagtcag gaggctgagg ca #ggagaatc   4080 actggaatcc tggaggtgga ggtggcagtg agccgagatg gtacctctgt ac #tccagcct   4140 gggggacaga gtgagactcc gtctcaaaaa aaaaagaagg tggggaagga tc #tttgaggg   4200 ccggacacgc tgaccctgca ggagaggaca cattcttcta acaggggtcg ga #caaaagag   4260 aactcttctg tataatttat gattttaaga tttttattta ttattatttt tt #atagaggc   4320 aagcattttt caccacgtca cccaggctgg tctccaactc ctgggctcaa gt #gtgctggg   4380 attatagcca tgagtcacca cacctggccc agaaacttta ctaaggactt at #ttaaatga   4440 tttgcttatt tgtgaatagg tattttgttc acgtggttca caactcaaaa gc #aacaaaaa   4500 gcacccagtg aaaagccttc ctctcattct gatttccagt cactggattc ta #ctcttggg   4560 atgcagtgtt tttcatctct tttttgtatc cttttggaaa tagtattctg ct #ttaaaaag   4620 caaatacagg ccaggtatgg tggctcactc ctgtaatccc agcactttgg ga #ggccgagg   4680 caggtgatca cctaaggtca ggagttcaag accagcctgg ccaatatggt ga #aaccctgt   4740 ctgtaccaaa acacaaaaac aaaaacaaaa acaaaaatta gccgggcgtg gt #ggcgtgct   4800 cctgtaatcc cagctactca ggaggctgag gcaggagaat cgcttgaacc tg #ggaggcag   4860 aggttgcagt gagccgagat tgtgccactg tactccagcc tgggccacag ag #caaggttc   4920 catctcaaac aaaacaaaac aaaacaaaca aaaaaacaaa acaaaagcta at #acaaacac   4980 atatacaata gacaaaactg taaatatttt attattttta ttttttttag ta #gagacagg   5040 gtttcaccat gttggccagg atggtctcaa actcctgacc tcaggtgatc ca #cccacctc   5100 agcctcccga tagttaggat tacaggcatg agccaccaca cccggcctaa aa #ttgtaaac   5160 gttttagaag aaagtataga tgaatccctt cgtgatctcg gggaagaaga ga #ttttttaa   5220 aaaagatacc aaaagaagca caaattataa aagaaaagat tgaaaatgtt gg #tgttaaaa   5280 ttaaaaactt gttttaaaac aagcttgtgt aacccatgac ccacaggctg ca #tgtggccc   5340 agaaaagctt tgactgcagc ccaacacaaa ttcgtaaact ttcctaaaac at #tatgagat   5400 tttttttgag attttgtttt gttttgtttt ttgttttttt agctcattcg gt #atcattaa   5460 tgttagcata ttttacgtgg ggcccaagac aattcttctt ccaatgtgtc tc #aggggagc   5520 caaaagattg gacacccctg ccataaacat gaaaagacaa tggccgggca cg #gtggctca   5580 cgcctgtaat cccagcactt tgggaggctg aggggggcgg gatcacctga gg #tcaggagt   5640 ttgagacaag cgtgaccaat gtggtgaaac cctgtctcta ctaaaaatac aa #aaattagc   5700 cgggcatgct cgtgcacacc tatagtccca actactcagc agggtgaggc ag #gagaacct   5760 cttgaacccg ggaagcggag gttgcagtga gccgacattg cacccctgca ct #ccagcctg   5820 ggtgacagag tgagtctcca ctggaaaaaa aaaaaaaaga acagtgtgat ac #attgacct   5880 aaggtttaag aacatgcaaa ctgatactat atatcactta gggacaaaaa ct #tacatggt   5940 aaaagtaaaa agaaatgtac gaaaataata aaaatcaaat tcaagatggt gg #ttatggtg   6000 acgggaaaga actgaggcgg aaatataagg ttgtcactat attgagaaat tt #ttctatct   6060 ttttttcttt tttctttttt tgagacgggg tctcgctctg tcgcccagga tg #gagtgcag   6120 tggtgtgatc tcagctcact gcaacctccg cctcccaggt ttaagtgatt ct #cctgcctc   6180 agactcccaa gtagctggga ctacaggtgc gcgccaacac acctgggtaa tt #ttgtttgt   6240 atttttagta gagatggggt ttcaccgtgt tgactaggct ggtctcgaac tc #ctgacctc   6300 aggtgatccc ccggcctcgg tctcccaaag tgctgggata acaagcgtga gc #cactgcgc   6360 ccagctttgt ttgcattttt aggtgagatg gggtttcacc acgttggcca gg #ctggtctt   6420 gaactcctga cctcaggtga tgcacctgcc tcagtctccc aaagtgctgg at #tacaggcg   6480 ttagcccctg cgcccggccc ctgaaggaaa atctaaagga agaggaaggt gt #gcaaatgt   6540 gtgcgcctta ggcgtaatgg atggtggtgc agcagtgggt taaagttaac ac #gagacagt   6600 gatgcaatca cagaatccaa attgagtgca ggtcgcttta agaaaggagt ag #ctgtaatc   6660 tgaagcctgc tggacgctgg attagaaggc agcaaaaaaa gctctgtgct gg #ctggagcc   6720 ccctcagtgt gcaggcttag agggactagg ctgggtgtgg agctgcagcg ta #tccacagg   6780 taaagcagct ccctggctgc tctgatgcca gggacggcgg gagaggctcc cc #tgggctgg   6840 ggggacaggg gagaggcagg ggcactccag ggagcagaaa agaggggtgc aa #gggagagg   6900 aaatgcggag acagcagccc ctgcaatttg ggcaaaaggg tgagtggatg ag #agagggca   6960 gagggagctg gggggacaag gccgaaggcc aggacccagt gatccccaaa tc #ccactgca   7020 ccgacggaag aggctggaaa ggcttttgaa tgaagtgagt gggaaacagc gg #aggggcgg   7080 tcatggggag gaaaggggag ctaagctgct gggtcgggtc tgagcagcac cc #caagactg   7140 gagcccgagg caaggaggct cacgggagct gcttccacca agggcagtca gg #aaggcggc   7200 cgccctgcag cccagccctg gcccctgctc cctcggctcc ctgctacttt tt #caaaatca   7260 gctggtgctg actgttaagg caatttccca gcaccaccaa accgctggcc tc #ggcgccct   7320 ggctgagggc tgggatggag gacagctggg tccttctagc cagcccccac cc #actctctt   7380 tggctacatg agtcaaggct gggcgaccaa tgaggttgtg gcctccggca aa #caatgacc   7440 actatttagg ccggcaggtg tatagggcgt gggggcccag ctgccagtgc tg #gagacaag   7500 ggctgtccga gatgaaccct ttctgctgcc tgccaagcca ctgggagggg ta #ggtctcag   7560 caggattccc agaaaccccg cccctgtcca gcctaggccc cccacccggt gt #tagctaac   7620 ccaacgttag cccccaggtt ccgtggggtt ggggggcagg gagtcctatt ct #tggggctg   7680 ctgcttctgg ggtgtgggga agtgcaactc cacggcaccc tgggctgact ca #ttcagctt   7740 ctaaagcttc aggaaacatt gtttggggct gggtcaccat gggtgggcca ga #gaggaccc   7800 ctcaatcccc tccggagagc caggggaggg ggaggtgccc ttccccatgc ta #tctccgag   7860 gcccactgcc atgtggctga aggctgtgcg gttctgggaa gagggggagg tg #gcggtgga   7920 ggctgtttgt ctcctaactg ggcttaatct gaaacacatg tattggcttg ag #ttgatccg   7980 cctcacgtgg aggcaagatc acaaaagctt ctgtgtttct tgatgtgggc aa #ttgtcaga   8040 aaataaggcc tgaccttggc ccagcaggga gggtatctac ctctccctga gc #cctccccc   8100 gcctgctagg acgagagcgg ggcttggata ctgccctttg gacaggatgg ca #tcattgtc   8160 tgtggctgca gccagccagc ggtcgcctgc tcagcccatg agcaaccact gt #ggacaggg   8220 tattgcgtgt gtgctgaggg gcgtccatgc agacccccac gcttgccctc tc #actgccct   8280 tgtagggttt tcaatcatct ctcctcttcc cttatccaga tggcttgaag tg #gaggattc   8340 agacttgccg ttaatactct gggtccctgt gtctagctcg gggccacctt tg #gacccatg   8400 tcccttccct gccaggctcc ctcacctcac ctcagcctac ccacattgtg ac #aatcatct   8460 accacctgat ctggggtttg ggcttagatt ctgtaggcac caagactaaa gt #cgctcctt   8520 caagtccatt tgaattgtga ctttagtttc cttaaatact atgccaggat aa #tggccagg   8580 gatggtggct cacgcctgta ctcctggcac tttgggatgc tggtggatca cc #tgagatca   8640 ggattccagg ccagcctggc caacacggtg aaaccccatc tctactaaaa ca #taaaaatt   8700 aaccaggtgt ggtggcgggc acctgtaatc ccagctactc aggagactga gg #caggagaa   8760 ttgcttgaac ccgggaggtg gaagttgcac tgagctgaga tcgcgccact gc #actttagc   8820 ctgggcgaca agagtgaaac tctgtctcaa aaacaaaaaa aactatgccg gg #atgagcct   8880 gtctcctccc ttaatttctt acttgggcca gaggaactag aactaacaac tt #ctcttcta   8940 gccttgcctc ctgtgtacct cactgaattt ttggtctcta ataaaccagt ct #gcagaggc   9000 tcaggggagg caggctcctg gcagctgggt ggggctggcc ccagccgggt gg #agaccagc   9060 tgtaggcctg gatggtggtg aggcctctgt cttgcactgc agaaagcttt tc #ctgttgtc   9120 tacacgaaag ttttctccct gcatgtcagg gcagccacgt gcaagagcag ct #ggctggga   9180 acgcagaggt ctgcggctcg aggcggggtt tagaaagaaa accaggctgc tt #cctgctgc   9240 ccgtcctgcc ttaagctgag taaactcaaa ggcaatcttc tttcatgcct ca #cgatattg   9300 tccagtggat tatctgattt aatttgaagg acgagagcca acaatcacac aa #cgtcctcc   9360 caaattttct gatccacttt gttctgggaa gtcaaaaagt gcgtgtgctg tg #tgggtgga   9420 tgtttgtgta tataaatgga taatgaagga tgatgtgttg ggggccaggg ca #ggggagac   9480 aacgctgttc agattctaca tttttttttc cttttttttt tttttttgag at #ggagtctt   9540 gctctgttgc ccagcctgga gtgcagtggc gcgatctcag ctcactgcaa cc #tccacttc   9600 ctggattcaa gtgattctcc tgccttagcc tcccaagtag ctgggattac ag #gcatgcgc   9660 caccacaccc ggctaatttt tgtattttta gtagagatgg ggtttctcca tg #ttggccag   9720 gatggtctca aactcctgac ctcaggtgat ctacccgcct cggcctctca aa #gtgctggg   9780 attacaggtt tgagccactg cgcctggcct tttttttttt ttttgagatg ga #gttttcac   9840 tcttgttgcc caggctggag tgcagtggtg cgatcttggc tcactgcaac ct #ccacctcc   9900 caagttcaag tgattctcca gccttagccc tccaagtagc tgggactaca gg #tgtgtgcc   9960 accatgcctg gctattttat tttattttat tttatttatt tatttttgag ac #taagtctt  10020 gctctgttgc ccaggctgga gtgcagtggc ataatcggct cactgcaacc tc #tgcctccc  10080 aggttcaagt gattctcctg cctcagcctc ctgagtaact gggattacag gg #gcctgcca  10140 ccacgcctgg ctactttttg tatttttagt atagatgggg tttcaccatg tt #ggccaggc  10200 tggtctcgaa ctcctgacct caggctatcc gcctgcctca gcctcccaaa gt #gctgggat  10260 tacaggcatg agccactgtg ctcggtagtt gttttatttt aatagtaggt ta #ttttattt  10320 ccattttaca agagaaaaaa tggtgattta aagagctact aagacacagc ac #tgagacca  10380 tgtgtgatgg catgcgcctg cagtcccagc tactcacgag gctgaggcag ga #ggatcaca  10440 tgaggtcagg agttccaggc tgtggagtgc tatggttgtg tagtgaatag cc #actacact  10500 ccagcctggg cagcacagca agatcttgtc tcccaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aa #aaatttca  10560 aatgtgaacc caggatctct gaccctaggc cctgcactcc taaccatggg ag #gaagagct  10620 cttgaaaggg aactgtggga gaagggaatg agctgccttg tgaggccaca ga #agtccaaa  10680 gacagcttga gaatttggag ggacagcacg tgccggactg ggtgcctcta tg #cttggtat  10740 ccggtgattc catggaggag acctgggttc tgccccattc tcctgggagg gg #ttgcccaa  10800 agtcttatca ccggagtggg tcagctgcct ccaggacaaa gctttagcat ac #acttgtgc  10860 tgggccatac tccacgtgga gaagccctgc tggggctggg gccccactgc tc #tggatctt  10920 taaaagctat tggttcaggg gccaggtgta atggctcaca cctataaccc ta #gcactttg  10980 ggaggctgaa gcaggtggat agcctgaggt caggagtttg agacaagcct ga #tgaacgtg  11040 gtgaaacccc atcgctatta aaatacaaaa aattagccgg gcatggtggc ag #gtgcctgt  11100 aattccagct acttgggagg ctgaggcggg agaatcgctt gaacccagga gg #cggaggtt  11160 gcagtgagcc aagatcgctc cactgtactc cagcctgggc gacagagcca ga #ctctgttt  11220 caaaaaataa aatataaata aataaataaa taaataaata aataaataaa ag #ctttaggc  11280 ttaaaggagg gtcccctgac gcagacagtg gaacaaaagc acaagcttat gg #tatgactg  11340 tgggccctga ggcaggggga ggggcgggag aaccttgctg ggagggatgg gc #catcaagc  11400 tgagggtcca cttctggggg cctggagggg tgaggggtgg tcgctgcagg gg #gtggggga  11460 aagtgactag ccctgcccaa cccctgggtc ctggctgggg tggccaggaa gg #ggtagcgg  11520 ggcagtgcag tgtcggggga gagcggcttg ctgcctcgtt cttttcttgc ag #gccccagg  11580 atgcaggccc tggtgctact cctctgcatt ggagccctcc tcgggcacag ca #gctgccag  11640 aaccctgcca gccccccgga ggaggtcagt aggcaggcgg ggagggcgtg gt #cagcattc  11700 cccgcccctc cttggcaggc agcacgggaa acaggacagg gaacccggac cc #aggttcca  11760 ggccaggctt gggcctttat ttctctaggg ctggagtttc tccagcagca aa #acagagag  11820 aaaatgtctt gccttgcctt tcaggggatg gagtagggac atgaataaga tc #ccaaaaga  11880 gtaaaaatct gaagcacttt taacaagtcc agggcaattc tcctgcctca gc #ttcccaag  11940 cagctgggat tacaggcatg caccaccaag cccggctcat tttgtatttt ta #gtagagac  12000 ggggtttctc catgttggtc aggctggtct cgaactcccg acctcaagtg at #tctcctgc  12060 ctcggcctcc caaagtgccg ggatgacagg tgtgagccac cgcacctggc ca #ggatcttt  12120 tctcattacc ttgtcttcct agtgggggct ccactgagca ggtcatgttc cc #ggacattt  12180 gttcggatac tgaccaggct gtggcaggga gtgagggtat ggagtgacct ct #ctcctgcc  12240 cagaaagggc gcagctgggt tcccaaggca gatacaggca catggaggga ag #cctgggcc  12300 atatgagtgt tatggggtga gtgttggcgg aggcccaccc ttgagggaca ag #agcagctg  12360 ggcatcttgg cgagagccct ggactttcgt gaggtcagag tatgaattct gc #gtctccct  12420 cttcctagct ttgtgaccct agacaaccct tacctcagtc tttgcttcct tg #cctatgaa  12480 atgggataaa aacacccatt ctacagggcc atgtggccac tcatttattt ct #catctacc  12540 aaacacctac tcgacagggg ctggcaatgg gcggaaataa aaactcagtt ct #gccgggtg  12600 cggtggctca cacctgtaat cccagcagtg tgggaggcgg agcaggacga tc #ccttgaat  12660 ccaggagttt gagaccagca taggcaacat agtgagaccc ctgtctctac ac #aaaagcaa  12720 aaattaccag gcgtggtggc aagtgcttgt ggtactacct acttgggaag ct #gaggtggg  12780 aggatcactt gagcccagga gattaagact gcagtgaggg gccgggcgcg gt #ggctcacg  12840 cctgtaatcc cagcactttg ggaggtggag gtgggtggat cacgaggtca gg #agatcgag  12900 accatcctgg ctaacacggt gaaaccccgt ctctactaaa aatacaaaaa at #tagctggg  12960 tgtggtgggg ggcgcctgta gtcccagcta ctcgggaggc tgaggcagga ga #atggcgtg  13020 aacccgggag gtggaggttg cagtgagctg agctcgcacc actgcactcc ag #cctgggcg  13080 acagagtgag actccgtctc aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa gaaagaaaga aa #aactgagt  13140 tctttttttt aactttcttt ttttagagac agagtctcac tccatcaccc at #gctggagt  13200 acagtggtgc gatcttggct cactgcaatc ttggcctcct gagttcaacc aa #ttctcatg  13260 cctcagcctc ccaaatagct gggaccacag gcacgtgcca ccacgcccag ct #aatttttt  13320 gggtattttt agtagagatg gggcctcacc atgttgctca ggttggtctg aa #actcctga  13380 gctcaagtga tccatcttcc tcggcctgcc aaagtgctgg gattataggc at #aagccact  13440 gcacctagct cccaattttt atatttatat ttatttttat ttacttattt at #tttttgag  13500 acagggtctc actctgtcac ccaggctgga gtacagtggc actatctcag ct #cactgcaa  13560 cctctgcctc ctgggttcaa gcgaatctcg tgcctcagcc tcctgagtag ct #gggattac  13620 aggcatgcac caccatgccc cgttaatttt tttgtatttt tagtagagac gg #gtttcacc  13680 gtgttgccca ggatggtctc gaactcctga cctcaagtga ttcacccacc tc #agcctccc  13740 aaagtgctgg gattataggt gtgagccact cggctgatgg tttttaaaaa gt #gggtcatg  13800 gggctgggcg cggtggctca tgcctgtaat cccagcactt tggtagaccg ag #gcgggtgg  13860 atcacaaggt caggagatcg agaccatcct gcctaacacg gtgaaacccc gt #ctctacta  13920 aaaatacaaa aaattaccca ggcatggtgg tgggcgcctg tagtcccagc ta #ctcgggag  13980 gctgaggcag gagaatggcg tgaacctggg aggcggagct tgcagtgagc cg #agatcacg  14040 ccaccgtact ccagcctgag cgacagagcg agactccgtc tcaaaaaaaa aa #aaaaaaag  14100 tgggtcatag gtttcggctt ataggtcaca agtgtttaaa cctggccatg ag #gccaggcg  14160 cagtggcgca tgcctgtaat cccagccatt tgggaggcta aggcaggaaa at #cgcttgaa  14220 ccggggaggt ggaggttgca gtgagctgag atcgcgccac tgaactctag cc #tgggtgac  14280 acagtaagac tctgtctcaa ataaaaaaaa aaacagctga tctctcttct gc #gctgtctc  14340 tccacagaga gctcatgcgt gatcagggag taaaactcat tcccgtttta gg #ccaaacac  14400 agaaaaatta ggaaggacag ccccaagggg ccagaaccac caccctacac aa #agccgtga  14460 ggagacagtc cctgtgcatc tctgcgagtc cctgaactca aacccaagac tt #cctgtctc  14520 ctgccagggc tccccagacc ccgacagcac aggggcgctg gtggaggagg ag #gatccttt  14580 cttcaaagtc cccgtgaaca agctggcagc ggctgtctcc aacttcggct at #gacctgta  14640 ccgggtgcga tccagcatga gccccacgac caacgtgctc ctgtctcctc tc #agtgtggc  14700 cacggccctc tcggccctct cgctgggtga gtgctcagat gcaggaagcc cc #aggcagac  14760 ctggagaggc cccctgtggc ctctgcgtaa acgtggctga gtttattgac at #ttcagttc  14820 agcgaggggt gaagtagcac caggggcctg gcctgggggt cccagctgtg ta #agcaggag  14880 ctcaggggct gcacacacac gattccccag ctccccgaaa ggggctgggc ac #cactgaca  14940 tggcgcttgg cctcagggtt cgcttattga cacagtgact tcaaggcaca tt #cttgcatt  15000 ccttaaccaa gctggtgcta gcctaggttc ctgggatgta actgcaaaca ag #caggtgtg  15060 ggcttgccct caccgaggac acagctgggt tcacagggga actaatacca gc #tcactaca  15120 gaatagtctt ttttttttnt ttttttnnnc tttctgagac ggagtctcgc tt #tgtcncca  15180 aggctggagt gcagtggtgt gatctcagct cactgcaacc tctgcctccc tg #gttcaagg  15240 aattctcctg cctcagcctc cagagtagct gggattacag gcacctgcca tc #atgcccag  15300 ctaatttttg tatttttagt agagacgggg tttcaccatg ttgcctaggc tg #gtctcaaa  15360 ctcccgggct caagcgatcc acccgccttg gcctcccaaa gtgctgggat ta #caggcgtg  15420 agccaccgcg cctggccaga ataatcttaa gggctatgat gggagaagta ca #gggactgg  15480 tacctctcac tccctcactc ccaccttcca ggcctgatgc ctttaaccta ct #tcaggaaa  15540 atctctaagg atgaaaattc cttggccacc tagattgtct tgaagatcag cc #tacttggg  15600 ctctcagcag acaaaaaaga tgagtatagt gtctgtgttc tgggaggggg ct #tgatttgg  15660 ggccctggtg tgcagttatc aacgtccaca tccttgtctc tggcaggagc gg #agcagcga  15720 acagaatcca tcattcaccg ggctctctac tatgacttga tcagcagccc ag #acatccat  15780 ggtacctata aggagctcct tgacacggtc actgcccccc agaagaacct ca #agagtgcc  15840 tcccggatcg tctttgagaa gagtgagtcg cctttgcagc ccaagttgcc tg #aggcatgt  15900 gggctccatg ctgcaggctg ggggggtctt tttttttttt ggggaaagac gg #agtctcgc  15960 tctgttgccc aggttggagt gaagtggcgt gatctcggtt cactgaaacc cc #cacctccc  16020 gggttcacac catcctcctg cctcagcctc ccgagtagct gggactgcag gn #gcccagct  16080 aatctttntt gtatttttag cagagacggg gtttcaccgt gtttgccagg at #agtctcga  16140 tctcctgacc tggtgttctg cccgcctcga cctcccaaag tgctgggatt ac #aggtgtga  16200 gccaccgcgc tcggcccgtt tctaaacaat agatcatgtg tgcccaggcc tg #gcctggca  16260 ctggtgtgga ggaagggccc gtgagcccaa agaggctcag aaagaggaag tg #ggctgcag  16320 gagacggtgg gaggggcagg gagggcagtg gcgcgatgtg gggaaatctg ct #gcccccct  16380 ggccagtgcc tggggatgcc agcagaagtc ctggcaagtc acaggaagat gc #tggctggg  16440 aagtcagggc ctgctgagcg ctaaaccaga acccgagcct ggcaggctct ca #aagacggg  16500 atgcttgtcg tcgagtctca tacgctaacc tctgctccgc ctcttctcag ag #ctgcgcat  16560 aaaatccagc tttgtggcac ctctggaaaa gtcatatggg accaggccca ga #gtcctgac  16620 gggcaaccct cgcttggacc tgcaagagat caacaactgg gtgcaggcgc ag #atgaaagg  16680 gaagctcgcc aggtccacaa aggaaattcc cgatgagatc agcattctcc tt #ctcggtgt  16740 ggcgcacttc aagggtgagc gcgtctccaa ttctttttca tttattttac tg #tattttaa  16800 ctaattaatt aattcgatgg agtcttactc tgtagcccta actggagtgc ag #tggtgcga  16860 tctcagctca atgcaacctc cgcctcccag gttcaagcaa ttcttgtgcc tc #agcctccc  16920 gagtagctgg gattacaggg atgtaccacc actcccggct aattttttgt at #ttaataga  16980 catggggttt caccatgttg gccaggctgg tctcgaactc ctgagctcag gt #ggtctgcc  17040 cgcctcagcc tcccaaagtg ctaggattac aagcttgagc caccacgccc ag #cccttttt  17100 atttttaaat taagagacaa ggtgttgcca tgatgcccag gctggtctcg aa #ctcctggg  17160 ctcaagtaat cctcccacct tggcctccca aagtgctggg attacaggca tg #agccaccg  17220 cgcccggccc ttttacattt atttatttat tttttgagac agagtcttgc tc #tgtcaccc  17280 aggctggagt gcagtggcgc gatctcggct cactgcaagc tctgccttcc ag #gttcacac  17340 cattctcctg cctcgacctc ccgagtagct gggactacag gcgcccgcca ct #gcgcccta  17400 ctaatttttt gtatttttag tagagacggg gtttcaccgt ggtctcgatc tc #ctgacctc  17460 gtgatccacc cgcctcagcc tcccaaagtg ctgggattac aggcgtgagc ca #ctgcgccc  17520 ggccctttta catttatttt taaattaaga gacagggtgt cactatgatg cc #gaggctgg  17580 tctcgaactc ctgagctgaa gtgatcctcc cacctcggcc tcccaaaatg ct #gggattac  17640 catgtccaac tttccacttc ttgtttgacc aaggatggat ggcagacatc ag #aaggggct  17700 tggaaaggga ggtgtcaaag accttgccca gcatggagtc tgggtcacag ct #gggggagg  17760 atctgggaac tgtgcttgcc tgaagcttac ctgcttgtca tcaaatccaa gg #caaggcgt  17820 gaatgtctat agagtgagag acttgtggag acagaagagc agagagggag ga #agaatgaa  17880 cactgggtct gtttggggct ttcccagctt ttgagtcaga caagatttat tt #atttattt  17940 aagatggagt ctcattctgt tgcccaggct ggagtgcagt ggtgccatct tg #gctcacta  18000 cagcctcccc acctcccagg ttcaagtgct tctcctgcct cagcctcccg ag #tagttggg  18060 attacaggcg cccgccacca cacccagcta atttttgtat tttcagtaga ga #tggggttt  18120 cgccatgctg gccaggctgt tctcgaaaac tcctgacctc agatgatcca cc #cgcctcgg  18180 cctcccacag tgctgggatt acaggcgtga gccactgcgc tggccaaatc ag #acaaggtt  18240 taaatcccag ctctgcctgt actagctgag gaactctgca cacatttcat aa #cctttctg  18300 ggcctacgtt ctcaccttta acgtgaggat aatatatcta cttcatagac ac #ctttttat  18360 gttgtctcca agttttctaa cagctctagt tctgtaccca agacatggca gg #tggccaac  18420 gacatccttc taggctgtgg tgatgtgttt ggagcttgtt ccacgggtct tg #tgtggggc  18480 cagccctgtt cagataaggc cttgtggggt ggcctggggt agggggaggg gt #tgggcaaa  18540 ctctccctta aaacgctttg taaccatctg aggcaccagc aagagcggcc cc #cgagcctg  18600 gacaaaatcc aaacggcttc ctacttcaag cactgatgtc tagtgagtga ag #gaacagct  18660 ctgggtccag gatattatag gtcacattaa actaaagggg cttggccatc ag #ctggcttc  18720 cagagcgtca gccagttact tcacctcttt ggctttggcc tgttttcagc ta #caagagga  18780 cttaatccag aggacctcag aggtccttcc cagctcagac cttctttgac tg #tctcccag  18840 agacactgct gtaggagtgc acaccagttt acttttcttt cttttgtttt tg #agatggag  18900 tttcgctctt tttgcctagg ctggagtgct gtggtgtgat ctcagctcac tg #caacctct  18960 ggctcccagg ttcaagtgat tctcctgtct ctgcctcccg agtagctggg at #tacagaca  19020 cccaccactg cacccggcta gtttttgtat tttcagtaga gatggggttt cg #ccatgctg  19080 gccaggctgt tctcgaaaac tcctgacctc agatgatcca tccgccttgg cc #tcccaaag  19140 tgctgagatt acagatgtga ggcaccacac ccggccattt ttgtattttt ag #tagagacg  19200 gggttttgcc atgttggcca cgctggtctc aaactcctga cctcaagtga tc #tgcccacc  19260 ttggcctcct gaagggctgg gactacaggc gtgagtcacc gtgcccggcc at #ttttgtat  19320 ttttaggaca gcgttttttc atgttggcca ggctggtctc aaactcctga cc #tcaagtga  19380 tccacccacc ccggcctccc aatatgctgg gattccaggt gtgagttacc at #gcccggct  19440 accactttac ttttcctgca ggctatcaca gaacgtgtac aatctagact ct #aatcaacc  19500 aaatcaacgt cttgccatcg gagtttgctg gtgaagggca cttggggtcc tg #gaaataac  19560 tgtaggctcc aagccacaca cactgagata ggcctattcc ctgaggcctc ag #agcccctg  19620 acagctaagc tcccttgagt cgggcaattt tcaacaacgt gctctgggga ca #cagcatgg  19680 cgccactgtc tttctggtct cctggggctc agactatgtc atacacttct tt #ccagggca  19740 gtgggtaaca aagtttgact ccagaaagac ttccctcgag gatttctact tg #gatgaaga  19800 gaggaccgtg agggtcccca tgatgtcgga ccctaaggct gttttacgct at #ggcttgga  19860 ttcagatctc agctgcaagg tctgtgggga taggggcagg gtggggggtg ga #tggaggga  19920 gaggatagag aagcaaaaca gggtagtggg aataaaatga cctttgagat cc #gacagctg  19980 tctacatgtc gcctgctgtg tgactttgag caggttaata acatgtctga gc #tttcctcc  20040 tcttaagatg gggcagggga tcgttaccaa cacttaccct cccagggttt gt #tgtaagga  20100 cgaataaggt aataggaaat gggccctcag cactgggcac ccacatgttt gt #tctcttga  20160 gactcctatt tctagaattt aaagccaaac tttgaaaaat aatgacaaac tc #caaatcgt  20220 tggcatcttt tttttttttt gagacagtct cgctctgtcg gccaggctgg ag #tccagtgg  20280 cacgatctcg gctcaccaca acctccgccc ccgctgggtt aaagcgattc tc #ttgcctca  20340 gcctcctgag tagctgggat tacaggcgtg tgcctccatg cctggctaat tt #tatacaga  20400 cggggtttct ccatgttggt caggctggtc tcaaactccc aaactcaggt ga #tccgcctg  20460 cctcggtctc ccaaaacaca ggggattcca ggcatgagcc accacgcttg gc #caatcgtt  20520 ggcattctaa ggctttcagt gtacctgact tcttttagtt ctaagtctgt aa #ctgttaac  20580 ctttcttggg ccacggctat cacacggatc tctctgggaa tctgacgaca gt #gcctcaaa  20640 cccgagggag caccgccagg tgtgcacaca cgtttctgtc aacgatttcg ga #ggactctt  20700 gggatccctg aacaccatct gttccatggg accttaggtt aagagcctct gt #tcaaagga  20760 ggcttttgct cttggtgggt ggatggggtg aagtctccaa gccctcttrc gg #scccttcg  20820 gtattcctat nccccggttc tgccctgtct tagtccagtg ctctctattt aa #caaatgag  20880 cagtaaatgt acaccgatgg actttgggag acaataaaga cctgatattc aa #ttctagct  20940 ccttaaacca caggagaaca ttctttcagc agacaacttc agttggtatt ag #gccaaggt  21000 aagaaaggcc aacagcatcc ttttctgaag aaacctcagg agatggctct ct #gccagaaa  21060 gctataacct ggaaggggaa ttgtaaaata gatgaggggc tggatgaagg ac #gagaccag  21120 ggccccgtca cgggagaggg aaggcagctc ctggctgtgt ctgtcccccg gc #ttttgggc  21180 tctgaaggac taaccacatg ctttctcact tgtctcagat tgcccagctg cc #cttgaccg  21240 gaagcatgag tatcatcttc ttcctgcccc tgaaagtgac ccagaatttg ac #cttgatag  21300 aggagagcct cacctccgag ttcattcatg acatagaccg agaactgaag ac #cgtgcagg  21360 cggtcctcac tgtccccaag ctgaagctga gttacgaagg cgaagtcacc aa #gtccctgc  21420 aggagatgag tatgtctgaa gaccctttcg ctcttggtgg gtggatgggg tg #gggcaggg  21480 tctttgggcc ttccactgtg ctaagcagaa cgcaagggct ccacaggctt gt #aggggggc  21540 cgtggatgag tccttaatcc tcatcgtgcc agaagggaag gctgaactgc ct #tctctcat  21600 cagactcatt cctcagcctc acgagcagac ctccctgaca ggcgctcaca ac #actgcctc  21660 tcaagacgag tctgtctgac ctgttttctc atcttgacct aacttgctaa at #gctcctgg  21720 gcaagtcact ccaccctcgg tcagctcaga cctcttcagg cctcagagaa ag #tcaacagt  21780 gctgcgccat cccagcttgc ttgcaaaggg atcccttggt tggggtgttg gg #gaaggcag  21840 ggttttaacg gaaatctctc tccatctcta cagagctgca atccttgttt ga #ttcaccag  21900 actttagcaa gatcacaggc aaacccatca agctgactca aggtggaaca cc #gggctggc  21960 tttgagtgga acgaggatgg ggcgggaacc acccccagcc cagggctgca gc #ctgcccac  22020 ctcaccttcc cgctggacta tcaccttaac cagcctttca tcttcgtact ga #gggacaca  22080 gacacagggg cccttctctt cattggcaag attctggacc ccaggggccc ct #aatatccc  22140 agtttaatat tccaataccc tagaagaaaa cccgagggac agcagattcc ac #aggacacg  22200 aaggctgccc ctgtaaggtt tcaatgcata caataaaaga gctttatccc ta #acttctgt  22260 tacttcgttc ctcctcctat tttgagctat gcgaaatatc atatgaagag aa #acagctct  22320 tgaggaattt ggtggtcctc tacttctagc ctggttttat ctaaacactg ca #ggaagtca  22380 ccgttcataa gaactcttag ttacctgtgt tggataaggc acggacagct tc #tctgctct  22440 gggggtattt ctgtactagg atcagtgatc ctcccgggag ggcg    #                22484 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for stimulating the growth of hair in a mammal, said method comprising providing exogenous SLED to cells associated with the skin of said mammal under conditions sufficient for said SLED to stimulate the growth of hair in said mammal.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said SLED is supplied to said cells via the systemic circulation.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said SLED is supplied to said cells via topical administration. 